The Red Balloon / White Mane (1953)

As (I think) the first movie I ever saw at age 6 (that I have not seen again till now), The Red Balloon is a nostalgic treat and a timeless tale of childlike joy and hope. The huge red balloon is a true symbol of a child's deepest and purest joy, and how this balloon becomes magically devoted to the little boy is whimsical and endearing. The ending is sad before it is (ahem) uplifting but this is a movie every child should see in a respectful setting (maybe at the library but not as an apertif to Spongebob please). Because our pint-sized Parisian protagonist is no Joel Haley Osment, 4 stars. White Mane is the story of a wild, spirited white stallion in the dry/marshy flatlands of France and the boy who tames him. It's slow (so be patient) but progresses through its paces, though to an indeterminate ending (sad by implication but hopeful in fairytale words). Because a vicious (uncut, real) horse fight occupies five minutes, 3 stars. Children younger than 6 may be bothered by the tragic elements and fail to grasp the symbolism in both films but these two cinematic milestones should not be missed. Overall: 3.5 stars.